Championship to Prem

Posted by Sport.co.uk on: 04 March 2011 - 14:20
Author: Michael Weightman
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Once upon a time the second tier ofEnglish football was the inferior cousin of the Premier League; not even a rebrand and swish new Championship title did much to alter perceptions of the home of long ball football. The dreaded drop was often as worrisome as a marriage proposal from Henry VIII and the thought of spending even one season outside the top division was simply inconceivable.

The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano leaving for Spain has no doubt weakened the top flight, but it is still one of the most competitive divisions in the world and still with the ability to attract Europe’s top names.

It’s this quality that has seen the surplus Premier League players taking a step down and strengthening the league below- let’s face it who could have imagined the likes of Craig Bellamy and David James doing just this a couple of seasons ago.

Undoubtedly the economic climate has had an effect on top team’s transfer kitties and the deprivation has led to a fairer playing field and the emergence of the so called less fashionable sides.

So whether it’s down to the reining in of funds from Premier League sides or the fact the 17 of the 24 teams in the Championship have played a league higher, the gap appears to be closing between the two and Sport.uk takes a look at why.

Stepping Up

If assumptions are to be believed then the margin between the divisions is beyond the reach of many a player in the Championship. However, looking at this season, three of the golden performers were plying their trade in the second tier in the previous campaign. The goals of both  DJ Campbell (9) and Kevin Nolan (11) see the pair in the top 10 of the Premier league goals scoring charts, with the latter sitting fourth overall; despite the impressive return, the duo have undoubtedly been over-shadowed by Andy Carroll who himself sits on 11 goals in spite of not kicking a ball since December. 

The Geordie striker’s form and subsequent record breaking move to Liverpool is a key indicator into the squeezing of the gap as he was not even considered a first team regular at the start of last season and yet 18 months down the line commands the title of Britain’s most expensive footballer.  Comparably, Charlie Adam was subject to bids from both Tottenham &Liverpool on deadline day and wouldn’t have looked out of place in either side.

Sceptics dispute that this is simply the footballing cycle and there’s 
always players who are good enough to make the grade; although this may have a hint of truth, success stories have been amplified in recent years and a simple perusal through squad list highlights the likes of Matt Jarvis, Jonathan Walters and Leon Best- all of whom are now impressing at a higher level. 


England Calling

There have been a few examples over the years of players outside the top flight in the England squad; Steve Bull in 1990, Michael Gray in 1999 and more recently David Nugent in 2007. However it’s over the last couple of years that Championship has exerted a larger influence on the Three Lions as many of the players have made the transition from the division to the national side with relative ease.

Adam Johnson was in the squad only months after his £7million move from Championship Middlesbrough to ManCity; both Jagielka and Lescott won caps after moving to Everton from lower league outfits. After impressive Championship campaigns last year, Andy Carroll and Kyle Walker have been involved this season, along with current Championship occupants Jay Bothroyd and Scott Loach. It could well be a reflection on the dearth of ability in the country right now, but there’s talent out there more than capable of performing on the international stage. 

Birmingham Way

One of those players, who shamefully is constantly overlooked, is Roger Johnson- the commanding centre half and his formidable sidekick( Scott Dann) have been key to the Blues’ successful return to the Prem, and the former Wycombe man was at the heart of the defence last Sunday as Birmingham lifted their first trophy since 1963. Now although this side did have a sprinkling of premium signings, namely Zigic and Foster, the solid core of the team is that of the promotion winning side of 2009. Admittedly squads will have to strengthen if they are to achieve their goal of survival and try and match the remarkable feat of City- but as last Sunday proved it won’t require wholesale changes.

Will the gap ever close?

Because of the sums of money involved with Premiership football, it’s difficult to imagine the gap ever fully closing; equally we are probably unlikely to ever again see a Derby County type story where a team wins consecutive titles in the second and first divisions. But there is certainly the opportunity for any club in the Championship to attain promotion and then establish themselves as a Premier League side. Blackpool have proved this season that having a go at the big teams can bring success and it would be a victory for football were Ian Holloway’s men able to retain their Premiership status. 

The difference between the bottom half of the Prem and top of the Championship is negligible and there’s no doubting that the likes of Adel Taarabt, Jay Bothroyd and Max Gradel could do a job for the majority of teams. Some will argue that shrinking margins are down to the deteriorating Premiership, yet this is undervaluing just how far the Championship and all of the lower leagues have come. Only in England could we have such competition between the leagues and if we want to remain the most competitive country in the world- then it’s imperative that gaps between all leagues continue to close.

Sacking Hughton

With promotion now secured and the only unbeaten home record in the country to their name; you’d think all would be settled on Tyneside. But rumours have emerged suggesting that Mike Ashley is considering replacing Chris Hughton in theNewcastle hot-seat and it could be the owner’s biggest decision to date.

The Premiership is a huge step up from the second tier and just like players; managers also struggle to make the grade. Ashley needs to decide if Hughton has the experience to succeed at the top level and the pulling power to attract the necessary talent to ensure survival. If he were given the chop, Hughton would leave a hero, but after all his hard work surely he deserves his chance in the big time and more importantly he has earned it.

Promotion

Many were predicting that Newcastle would go the same way as Leeds especially after the disastrous 6-1 defeat at Leyton Orient in pre-season. Hughton was there in a time of adversity and stuck to his role, preparing the players throughout pre-season for a tough Championship campaign. Whether or not the football has been as entertaining as the Keegan era is debatable, but consider this; when King Kev was promoted in 92-93 Newcastle lost 8 games in total, now compare that to the current side that have lost only 4 league games all season as well as keeping 20 clean sheets.

Added to that the entertaining football that has been evident in recent weeks with empathic and high-scoring displays, including a 6-1 demolition of Barnsley, and it’s difficult to see why there would be any complaints. 

He has brought the best out of expensive imports Enrique, Gutierrez and Coloccini. Granted they are playing against lesser opposition, but this must not dis-credit the confidence he has instilled in the trio.

Look as well at the rejuvenation of Shola Ameobi and Kevin Nolan, both were touted with potential England call-ups earlier on in their career and although they have not reached these heights, they do look like they could threaten once again in the Premier League.

Furthermore how could Mike Ashley justify sacking a manager who has achieved his goal at the first time of asking. One remembers Mike Newell being sacked after leading Hartlepool to promotion in 2002-2003; however he did let a 16 point lead slip as the Pools had to settle for second place. After two disastrous spells as caretaker manager, in which he recorded only one win, as permanent manager Hughton can boast an impressive record of losing only 6 games in all competitions this season.

Dignity

Never has a manger at Newcastle been so understated and it is a refreshing change from the circus that normally surrounds the club.

What a difference to hear the manager being realistic and bringing down the unreasonable expectation that has dogged Tyneside for years.

One person who knows this better than most after 17 years at the club is goalkeeper Steve Harper, who feels the success is all down to Hughton: ‘Chris deserves all the plaudits. To pull together a group of players who were very disappointed last season and then to get promotion at the first hurdle means he deserves a crack at it.’

Backing from players is evidently there and the fans seem to be firmly behind the 51-year old. ‘Newcastle are united again’- said one member of the Toon Army on a local phone in this week and other words used to describe the team were solid, together and unified. This is all a far cry from the tears on the pitch on the final day of last season and the high earning journeyman there to pick up the big wages.

Big Name

On that theme, the pursuit of the big name has been the downfall of Newcastle for so long. Owen, Shearer Keegan, Kluivert are names that resonate with fans across Europe and although impressive, has it benefited the club?  Even take a look at the Championship; Roy Keane has been of the biggest names in football over the last 15 years, yet has that brought success to Ipswich? Gordon Strachan came to Middlesbrough with a huge reputation but has yet to make his mark on Teesside. Heck, two of the biggest managerial names of all time in Clough and Ferguson are plying their trade at Derby and Preston respectively, but this is hardly a pre-requisite for success.

Maybe the thought is that someone like a Mark Hughes would be better placed to stabilise the club given his record at Blackburn on a limited budget and he certainly deserves a chance after his somewhat unfair sacking fromManchester City. However the football world was up in arms when this happened and wouldn’t the former Wales international or any other candidate for that matter be getting the job under similar circumstances.

In addition, which top name manager would be attracted to Newcastle with a limited transfer budget available? Managing Director Derek Llambias has spoken of the change in the club’s transfer policy: ‘The days of Newcastle spending £10-£15 million on a player are over.’

He did though carry on to say money will be available but the focus will be on youth rather than established players.

History

Interestingly this case mirrors a previous situation at Newcastle where Glenn Roeder replaced Graeme Souness after his unsuccessful tenure. A winning run and empathic derby win, cumulating in European qualification staked Roeder’s case for the job full time, and he was duly given his chance. But an unsuccessful reign ended after only one season and this could well be the Mike Ashley’s very own cautionary tale

The biggest difference however is that although Roeder was respected as a former captain, the fans never really warmed to him as manager, whereas the current occupant does have the fans backing. Let us not forget these are the same fans that were clamouring for Alan Shearer in the summer, when no other candidate would do, yet Hughton has still managed to win them over.

Remember as well that he has treaded the boards of the footballing world, mainly as a coach at Tottenham Hotspur, where despite the revolving door of managers he still remained amongst the coaching set-up and will have no doubt benefitted from a year’s solo managerial experience.This of course is on top of a successful playing career in which he won the FA and UEFA Cup as well as representing the Republic of Ireland. 

Decision Time

It’s crunch time for Ashley in his reign as Newcastle chairman. The masses would be prepared to forgive if he were able to establish Newcastle as a top club once more, but it will need major investment. Now the decision lies with him as to whether he wants to entrust the current manager with the funds to re-develop the squad or if he feels a more experienced top flight man would be more astute with his cash. Given his record of hiring and firing it may well be a case of better the devil you know and time to show the new, stable, pragmatic and hopefully successful Newcastle United. By more luck than judgement Ashley has unearthed a gem and why go changing a winning formula because for once on Tyneside, it’s looking good. There’s been enough hardship at the club to last a life time and Chris Hughton deserves his shot at the big time. So Geordies enjoy your journey in the Prem, in fact have a blast, and just hope that in 6 months time you won’t be thinking; Hughton, we have a problem

Joey Barton

Letting Joey Barton Leave - The True Cost to the Toon

Monday, 30 May 2011 12:59 Michael Weightman

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So it’s nearly a week after the announcement that Joey Barton will not be staying on Tyneside, and still we are no closer to finding out the reasons why.

The club claim the vice captain was offered a new deal both in January and last week, with Barton rejecting both offers on the table.

However, via Twitter, the Scouser said ‘"I can't sign a contract if am not offered one?’ and so fans are once again left wondering who is telling the truth?

Either way, the club have a major dilemma on their hands; do they sell the midfielder in a cut price deal or allow him to run down his contract and leave on a free at the end of next season.

Barton also claimed on Twitter that Newcastle “want a younger, better, cheaper player." Now while most fans would probably accept the first two, it’s the necessity for the latter which ironically could see the club counting the cost.

On-field

This is exactly the reason why Barton’s worth surpasses just his monetary value. Nine assists this campaign make him the most creative player in our ranks and the Scouser has also chipped in with 5 goals including two in the memorable 4-4 draw with Arsenal.

But it’s not just the stats in Barton’s favour, his work rate and commitment to the cause is second to none. Not only this but his character of digging deep when things aren’t going well is an invaluable asset, just ask any Arsenal fan. As well as this, and crucially, he wants to be at the club and wants to take Newcastle back to the upper echelons of English football saying this week: “I will continue to do everything in my power to bring a trophy to St James' next season."

The Ashley Way

With youth being the key focus under Ashley, the days of lucrative deals for players in their late 20s seems to be over. Some have claimed that Barton was offered a 2.5 year contract, but was holding out for more. Given the club’s support during his off-field problems, doesn’t Barton owe us something and should he not simply perform on the pitch and an extension would surely arrive at a later date.

Let’s not forget it was Ashley that sanctioned this move originally and it does seem odd that after three years of underperformance and a jail sentence- that he would simply let a player leave when he finally starts seeing a return on his investment.

Also with the owner’s plan of re-energising the club with youth, he may well feel at 28 Barton is simply not worth a 4 year deal or the amount of money he was demanding. Credit it where it’s due Newcastle are in a sound financial position at the moment and have been guilty of over-valuing players in the past.

On paper it sounds so simple, however in practice finding a replacement could prove a lot trickier.

The Other Guys

So with Carroll gone, Barton not signing and Enrique likely to be on his way you have to question what must be going through the mind of Kevin Nolan.

He accepted the Andy Carroll transfer because of the astronomical fee and the promise of re-investment. The skipper may even be able to stomach the departure of Enrique, as it is likely the Toon will once again receive a decent fee and in young Ferguson look to have a tidy little replacement.

But surely this latest development will be cause for concern for the former Bolton man and just as worrying for fans. Ultimately players are professionals but like in any job there’s only so far someone can be pushed, and just consider where the Mags would be without Nolan &Carroll’s 23 goals in the league, Barton’s assists and Jose’s outstanding performances.

What Next

You can’t blame Mr Ashley for not caving into Barton’s demands if he himself does not value the player that highly. Ultimately he is a business man and successful businessmen don’t pay over the odds for products. The fact that Barton has been openly critical of the regime may also work against him and at 28 it may just be that he simply does not fit into the Newcastle way of thinking anymore.

However, with all considered, letting Barton leave can only be described as nonsensical from both a football and financial perspective. Why go searching for something you already have and losing not just a player, but someone key to the future success of the club and hugely popular amongst supporters.  Surely the first rule of business is buying the best product at the best price and holding onto commodities that enhance your company value.

All fans would be delighted if Barton does sign a new deal, but could also probably accept if the club have somebody as good lined up as a replacement. However going on past performances this looks unlikely to materialise and leaves me with the conclusion; that both in the pocket and on the pitch, this decision will cost Newcastle dearly.

Alan Shearer Interview

They often say you shouldn’t meet your heroes; and as a former Newcastle season ticket holder and a babe of the Keegan revolution-this daunting prospect was now in front of me.

However, as it happens, Alan Shearer had this very feeling the day before when he was paired with Lee Westwood in a charity golf tournament- describing it as ‘a privilege and honour’ to be partnering the world’s number one.

High praise from a man who during his career smashed records galore and is still the highest goal scorer in Premier League history. His £15million move back home in 1996 made him, at the time, the world’s most expensive player and while on Tyneside he broke Jackie Milburn’s Newcastle scoring record by netting 206 times for the Magpies.

In an exclusive interview with Sport.co.uk we talked about him returning to management, Andy Carroll & England and playing in goal for Newcastle. 

It was intriguing to know whether or not a man who has played football at the highest level, was nervous about playing alongside a competitor at the top of his sport:

“I wasn’t nervous playing with the world’s number one it was the 750-1000 people surrounding the tee that I was nervous about.”

Surviving at a canter

The event, which took place in the North East, saw pilgrims flock to see the Messiah and the fans will be reassured to know that their former captain is happy with the Magpies’ first season back in the top flight: 

“It’s probably better than a lot of people thought. I think their main aim this year was survival and they have done that at a canter. They can finish the season and be proud of what they have achieved. They had a tough time when Andy Carroll left but that’s all over with now and what they spend in the summer will determine how successful they are next season”

When asked if he thought there was more to the Carroll story than met the eye he said:

“I don’t know the answer to that; I’d be amazed if he had gone in and demanded to move away from Newcastle. We were all disappointed because he was an integral part of Newcastle and he had a very good season up until he left. But £35million is a hell of a lot of money and I think both clubs got a very good deal.”

Of course Carroll will be under the stewardship of Shearer’s old boss Kenny Dalglish and the former Blackburn man is not surprised his old Gaffer has had such an impact at Anfield: “I know how he operates and know what he is like, and he’s a great football guy. He gives players the feel good factor and that’s exactly what he has done at Liverpool. He’s taken over a struggling side and he has transformed them.”

The transfer however leaves many unanswered questions for Toon fans and when asked who would like to replace the Gateshead born striker, the answer was simple: “Rooney.”

Time to strengthen

Joking aside Shearer was confident that plans were in place to strengthen the side:

“I’m pretty positive the manager and his team have identified targets and they probably know in this moment in time who they want to go for. They are like everyone else they will look to strengthen: how much money the manager will have no one knows.”

This ambiguity under Ashley that has been the catalyst for so many of the unnecessary problems during his regime and the club’s former number 9 was unsure whether or not there would be further departures:  “We don’t want our best players to leave but you never know what is happening behind the scenes.”

It’s the last part of this answer that showed despite his love for his club, he’s still not convinced by what’s going on at board level. It’s evident that the way in which he left Newcastle as manager still hurts Shearer and he does still pine to manage his hometown club:

“I thought I was going to be (the manager) but for whatever reason it did not materialise. I loved my time there, I really enjoyed the challenges it brought every day- despite what happened at the end."

Open to offers

He had recently been linked with the Blackburn job before Steve Kean took over on a full time basis, and admits that no matter what the division if the right club came along he would be interested: “I think you have to open your eyes up to anything and everything; not dismiss anything, because there’s some big clubs out there not in the Premier League. I think that’s where everybody wants to be but I’m not naive and stupid enough to believe I can walk straight into a Premier League club.”

He also dismissed the notion that great players cannot become great managers: 

“There have also been great players who have been great successes and there have also been great managers who have never played the game- so there’s no guarantee either way.”

Just for the record it was this fascinated fan interviewing him who referred to him as great, not a self imposed title by Mr Shearer himself.

Peter Taylor said this week that he fancied Shearer as a future England manager and while looking slightly bemused by the comment-he replied: “I’m not naive enough to shout from the rooftops and say I want to do that as there are many outstanding candidates out there. I played and captained my country and so it would be something I’d be honoured to do.”

Reflecting on England’s performances at last year’s World Cup, which he watched from the BBC studio stationed in South Africa, he noted: “Things went against us at the World Cup and we were pretty poor. I’m sure mistakes have been made and no doubt learned from and we have had a decent start to the (Euro 2012 qualifying) campaign.”

And on the competition in Poland and Ukraine: “I think it will be exactly the same, no doubt we will be there and qualify and it’s how we perform on that major tournament. We don’t know until we go out there.”

No regrets

With 30 international goals to his name, many feel he hung up his Three Lions’ boots too early after his retirement in 2000. However, Shearer explained the decision: “It was because of the injuries that I had- which meant I had to adapt my game. I was confident that I could of played for England but to maintain the standard that I always wanted to keep I had to sacrifice one of them. Obviously it couldn’t have been my club career and after that I went onto play for another six years, so I think the decision was the correct one.”

Given England’s underperformance in recent years, I was interested to know if he thought any other players had stuck around too long: “Not really; I think there’s a perception that when you get to 30 you’re not allowed a bad game because of your age. But there’s some greatly experienced guys out there and still with a lot to offer England.” 

Adding: “That was my personal decision to do that, so you go along with what the guys want but if they areperforming at the highest level it doesn’t matter how old or young they are.”

I’d managed to hold out sounding like an excited ball boy until the end but was desperate to know which goal gave him the most satisfaction. Despite my suggestion of a strike against Charlton at St James’ where he reached 200 Premier League goals and both fans continually chanted his name- it was breaking Milburn’s record that he holds dear: “When I broke the record for Newcastle against Portsmouth, the reaction of the crowd that day will stay with me forever. I mean it went on for another 15-20 minutes. It was just incredible- that goal was very special.”

What might have been?

As the interview drew to a close, I knew there was only time for one more question and I’d always been desperate to know if it was true; had he had a trial for Newcastle as a goalkeeper? 

“There was 22 guys there [at the trial] and there was only one goalkeeper; we all had to take a turn in goal just for five or ten minutes- but no they didn’t just stick me straight in goal.”

It does make you wonder about the man who watched Shearer as an outfield player but let him slip through the net. After all, having made a name for himself at Southampton and winning the title with Blackburn that mistake cost Newcastle owner Sir John Hall a full £15 million to rectify.  
Interview over, I felt much like Shearer did the day before: honoured and privileged to be alongside the world’s best. It was also encouraging hearing a former player so passionate about not just club and country, but the game in general. His manner of talking about all subjects openly and honestly makes a refreshing change from the banal responses we have become accustomed to from modern players. 

So as I left and shook the hand of a player I had idolised for years, I realised that sometimes meeting your heroes is all it’s cracked up to be.